Catholic Social Teaching and the Market Economy

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Throughout history, but particularly in the last century or so, the Catholic Church has developed a formal body of teaching on economics and political matters. Other Christian faiths have absorbed much of that work, as have non-Christians, and thus the body of Catholic Social Teaching has often been influential in the public policy arena. This volume, taking account of recent developments in both political economy and Catholic Social Teaching, examines the extent to which that teaching can be used to justify the free market, or alternative forms of political and economic organisation, in areas such as taxation, welfare, foreign aid, the just wage and labour markets and business.

It also critically examines the general case for an interventionist state in the economic sphere, as well as the importance of the development of responsible culture, underpinned by sound education, in a free society.

The book is relevant to all Christians, and others, who take an ethical approach to the analysis of public policy issues.

Contents
Foreword by John Kennedy
Preface by Leonard P. Liggio

1. Introduction: understanding Catholic Social Teaching in the light of economic reasoning by Philip Booth

Part 1: Economic Welfare and the Role of the State
2. Rethinking welfare, reviving charity: a Catholic alternative by Robert A Sirico
3. Aid, governance and development by Philip Booth
4. The unanswered questions of the just wage by Thomas E Woods, jr
5.Taxation and the size of the state by Philip Booth

Part 2: Business, the Consumer and Culture in Christian Life
6. Free markets and the culture of consumption by Andrew Yuengert
7. Business and the common good by Robert G Kennedy
8. The entrepreneur in the life of the Church and society by Anthony Percy
9. Education and the Catholic Church in England and Wales by Dennis O’Keeffe

Part 3: Subsidiarity and Solidarity – The Role of the Individual, the Community and the State
10. Subsidiarity and solidarity by Denis O’Brien
11. Catholicism and the case for limited government by Samuel Gregg

‘This book is a splendid analysis of how Catholic Social Teaching can be applied to economic and political realities in the 21st century.’
Reverend John Kennedy, former Secretary for Church and Society at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

‘This book – which covers a superb range of topics – challenges many of the myths and assumptions that exist in Christian thinking on economic and political issues.’ Dr Stephen Copp, Bournemouth Law School, Bournemouth University
2007, ISBN 978 0 255 36581 9, 277pp, PB